I
listen for the two clicks of a seatbelt and turn my head to make sure
both my brothers are safely strapped in before I pull away. Our drive
home from their track practice isn’t long but it’s through a
packed intersection and busy main road. I keep both my hands on the
steering wheel and slowly pull forward to a complete stop at a stop
sign. I’m careful to look both ways before I pull out onto the main
road. When I think of driving safely, I always think of those who I
am driving. I think of how I am responsible to transport both my
brothers home safely, and the uncertainty of our safety on today’s
roads is what scares me the most. If more of today’s drivers were
to take driving courses or simply become aware of the hazard they
bring to themselves and others through reckless driving, the roads of
my city, Orlando, would be more safe for younger, learning drivers.
If even one driving course was required for an individual to obtain
his or her license, the young, educated drivers of this generation
would be paving the road to safer streets. When I was 7 years old, my
uncle was involved in a deadly motorcycle accident that left him
fighting for his life in the hospital for months. With years of
surgeries and physical therapy, his physical health will still never
recover to where it was before that tragic day. Watching a close
family member suffer and seeing the effects that accident had on my
little cousins and the rest of our family, has made me caution
driving, especially around motorcyclists. For me, becoming a safe
driver starts with the example I set for my younger brothers who will
begin driving themselves within the next few years. I also like to
set an example and pledge to encourage my friends and family to be
more aware of road signs, oncoming traffic and driving own
distractions.